Sony Receivers - AV Receiver Range For Surround Sound Systems

Their entry level models are a cost-effective way to get the basic
features you need to connect all your AV equipment, while the flag ship
products provide higher quality specifications for those who need the
best performance.

The STR-DH and STR-DN models provide an excellent range of features
that will suit most needs and budgets. However, if you require the
highest audio performance with added networking and other advanced
features, then you should consider the ES series.

Most of the models are available in both the US and UK, although
there are some regional differences which are highlighted below. The
exact specifications may also vary slightly between countries.

These Sony receivers are listed in approximate order of value (using
the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price as a guide) - starting with the
entry level models and moving up to the flagship products.

Sony Receivers - Quick Links

STR-DH510

MSRP: $229 / £199

The STR-DH510 is the entry level model for Sony AV receivers. It comes with 5.1 channels and is rated at 90W per channel.

There are three HDMI 1.4 inputs (and one out) and this receiver
supports the new audio return channel which has been introduced as part
of the HDMI 1.4 specification.

Also featured is standby pass-through which allows a signal through
to your TV even when the receiver is switched off. The STR-DH510 will
decode LPCM audio from your Blu-ray player and has a Digital Media Port
connection for an optional device used to connect external equipment
like iPod and Bluetooth devices.

Main Features:

5.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 3-in/1-out

Standby Pass-Through

LPCM Decoding - 2.0/5.1

Power: 90W per channel (8Ω, 20-20kHz)

Audio Return Channel Support

BRAVIA® Sync Capable

Digital Media Port connection for iPod/Bluetooth

STR-DN610

MSRP: £279

The STR-DN610 AV receiver is only available in the UK (at the time of writing).

It is a budget version of the STR-DN1010 and features the modern matching design for Sony Blu-ray players.

With 7.1 channels at 100W per channel this model also has bi-amp support for advanced connection to your speakers.

The 3-in/1-out HDMI 1.4 connections allow for the audio return
channel and also 3D video pass-through for those with compatible 3D
equipment. It comes with a setup microphone for use with Sony's DCAC
(Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) feature which allows for easy
configuration of the sound in your room.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 3-in/1-out

DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)

LPCM Decoding - 2.0/5.1/7.1

Power: 100W x 7 (8Ω, 1 kHz, THD 1%)

3D video pass through

Bi-Amp Support

FM/AM RDS tuner (60 preset stations)

STR-DH710

MSRP: $299

The Sony STR-DH710 is a model that appears to be only available in the US (at the time of writing).

It allows for the connection of 7.1 channels and is rated with a power output of 95W per channel.

Full decoding support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-Master Audio is a useful feature included in this model.

There are 4 HDMI 1.4 inputs (and one HDMI output) and full support
for 3D video and the audio return channel. This model also allows for
24p True Cinema pass-through which allows for a more stable image from
players that can output at this rate.

The setup and configuration of your speakers is made easy with DCAC
(Digital Cinema Auto Calibration), and you can also have wireless
speaker connections with the optional S-AIR Speaker System.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 4-in/1-out

DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)

3D Video Pass through

Power: 95W x7 (8Ω, 20-20kHz)

Wireless 2nd Zone Audio (S-AIR Multi-room Ready)

Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Decode

24p True Cinema Pass-through

STR-DH810

MSRP: $399 / £359

The Sony STR-DH810 has 7.1 channels with a power rating of 100W per channel.

The main difference between this and the STR-DH710 is this increase in power output.

The DH-810 can decode most audio formats including the high-definition audio of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

This model also allows for video upconversion from analog inputs to
HDMI, which can allow for easier connections in your home system.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 4-in/1-out

DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration)

Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Decode

Power: 100W x7 (8Ω, 20-20kHz)

Analog to HDMI Video Upscaling

Wireless 2nd Zone Audio (S-AIR™ Multi-room Ready)

3D Video Pass through

STR-DN1010

MSRP: $499 / £509

The STR-DN1010 is an AV receiver that is designed to match the looks of Sony's Blu-ray players.

The modern styling means it will look great in your rack alongside a matching Blu-ray player.

This model has 4-in/1-out HDMI 1.4 connections with full support for the audio return channel and 3D video signals.

It is a 7.1 channel machine with a power rating of 100W per channel.
The tuner is Sirius Satellite radio ready, and comes with 90 preset
radio channels. This model also has a simple on-screen GUI which can
make altering the settings of the receiver a bit easier.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 4-in/1-out

Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Decode

BD Matching Design

Power: 100W x7 (8Ω, 20-20kHz)

Simple GUI Setup

Sirius Satellite Radio Ready / 90 Preset Channels

3D Video Support

STR-DN2010

MSRP: $799

The STR-DN2010 is the flagship model in this range. At the time of writing it was only available in the US and not the UK.

This model is built with the new sleek look to match Sony's range of
Blu-ray players, and has 7.1 channels rated at 100W per channel.

The main difference between this and the STR-DN1010 is addition of a
4-port ethernet switcher which gives this model networking capabilities.
It also has AMX/Crestron certification which indicates good support for
remote control systems.

It also provides a more advanced GUI than the simple version that is included with the STR-DN1010.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 4-in/1-out

4-port Ethernet switcher

24p True Cinema Pass-through

Power: 100W x7 (8Ω, 20-20kHz)

On-screen graphical user interface

BD Matching Design

3D Video Pass-through

ES Series

Sony have a another range of AV receivers known as the 'ES' series. This
stands for 'Elevated Standard' and these AV receivers offer a much
higher quality of audio performance. Therefore, if you are an audiophile
who needs high quality audio from your hardware, then you should check
out the ES series of Sony receivers. The latest models in this series
are listed below.

STR-DA3600ES

MSRP: £1019

At the time of writing, the STR-DA3600ES was only available in the UK.

This model provides 'elevated standard' audio due to a high grade power amplifier and superior build quality.

It is a 7.1 channel machine with a power rating of 100W per channel,
and also has full 7.1 pre-outs for advanced connections to other
amplifiers.

It provides full HDMI 1.4 support with 4-in and 1-out and will also
decode all the major audio formats including DTS-HD Master Audio and
Dolby TrueHD.

This machine allows for sending audio and video to a 2nd zone, plus
it will send just audio to a 3rd zone - which is ideal if you need
multi-room support. The STR-DA3600ES also has networking capabilities
with a built-in 4-port ethernet hub and will also act as a DLNA network
client for streaming media from a DLNA server.

Main Features:

7.1 Channels

HDMI 1.4 - 4-in/1-out

Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Decode

DLNA Network Client and Ethernet Hub

Power: 100W x 7 (8Ω, 20-20kHz, THD 0.09%)

7.1 Pre-out connections

2nd Room AV and 3rd Room Audio

Elevated Standard audio due to superior build quality and high grade power amplifier

STR-DA5600ES

MSRP: £2039

Like the previous model, the Sony STR-DA5600ES was only available in the UK at the time of writing.

It has all the feature of the previous STR-DA3600ES, but comes with additional features to improve the specification.

Power output is increased to 120W per channel for those with bigger rooms (or who like it a bit louder!).

The HDMI 1.4 connections are increased to 6-in/2-out, which will
allow this machine to output to two different sources without re-wiring
your system.

It comes with gold-coated terminals to improve performance and an
advanced GUI to assist the configuration of your system. This machine is
also able to act as a DLNA network client and server.

It also comes with an advanced auto room calibration system called DCAC EX.

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